Transformation through equitable, data-driven service innovation
Modernize and improve access to services using information and technology to meet the diverse needs of kids, youth and families based on their experiences.
Xayah’s Story: Growing Her Communication Skills and Independence with Technology
Xayah had a lot she wanted to share and was having a hard time communicating her needs when she first accessed services. Her speech therapist provided tools like a core board and a GoTalk 20 to support her communication skills. At first, she was very motivated by the GoTalk voice output but as time passed it became clear that the limitations of a 20-vocabulary page decreased her interest. With support from her care team, she received a different communication device that opened new possibilities for expression.
Since receiving the new device, Xayah’s confidence has grown quickly. She is now using three‑ to four‑word phrases and finding new ways to share her thoughts and needs. A powerful moment came during a classroom clean‑up where another student tried to help by putting her toys away. She wanted to do it herself. Her speech therapist modeled “I do it,” and her face lit up with a huge smile! Xayah proceeded to practice the phrase repeatedly while smiling and clapping her hands. She clearly, with gestures and vocalizations, tried to tell the peer that she didn’t want them to clean up for her.
That same phrase is now used regularly at home and school, helping her advocate for herself. These everyday moments are big milestones. With the right tools and coordinated support from her care team and family, Xayah is building her skills and independence while finding her own voice.
“Life gets better when you focus on progress, not perfection.”
- Xayah’s family
Strengthening Technology Through a Multi-Year Information Technology Roadmap
Strong, reliable technology plays an important role in helping services run safely across the network. Through a multi‑year Information Technology (IT) roadmap, CTN has been strengthening the technology that supports care for families.
Over the past year, new tools and processes were introduced to better the day‑to‑day work across the network. This includes a new way to track and manage IT equipment, as well as an improved process for updates that help keep devices secure and running well. For families, this work helps create stable systems that care teams rely on every day. Together, these improvements reduce risk, enhance consistency and help services stay dependable. By investing in stronger technology and thoughtful planning, CTN is helping the network deliver services with confidence, so the focus remains on supporting kids, youth and families through safe, connected and reliable care.
Over
parents and caregivers in CTN’s online Facebook community.
Supporting Caregivers with Accessible, Digital Resources
When caregivers feel supported, kids and youth are better able to thrive. As part of CTN’s growing work to develop digital resources for families, All About Respite is an on-demand video created in partnership with Empower Simcoe. It uses digital storytelling to highlight the vital role respite plays in caregiving.
Designed to be easy to access, understand and revisit, this resource provides important information for families when they need it most. The video shares honest and powerful stories from two caregivers who speak openly about the emotional, physical and mental demands of caregiving and the life changing impact of taking a break. Led by Empower Simcoe’s Respite Coordinator, the video also offers practical guidance, including tips for creating a respite plan and an overview of available respite options. Following the launch of this video, we have been working in collaboration with our partners to develop more video resources for families. This will expand access to information beyond appointments and programs. By working with partners to deliver meaningful, flexible resources, the network is making it easier for caregivers to access timely, practical support for their child.
individuals served by the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Program.
Exploring New Technology with Care
Innovation matters most when it’s guided by care and purpose. That’s why CTN has been carefully exploring the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies through a Microsoft Copilot trial. From November 2025 to March 2026, the trial focused on understanding how these tools could be used safely and effectively in day‑to‑day work, while maintaining strong privacy, security and risk‑aware practices across the network.
This work is helping shape clear guidance for the appropriate use of AI, especially when working with personal health information and other sensitive data. By testing these tools thoroughly, we are strengthening how we work and shaping a future where innovation can improve how kids, youth and families experience service across the network.
Updates to CTN’s Shared Client Record
For nearly two decades, CTN’s Shared Client Record (SCR) has connected partners across the network, reducing the need for families to repeat their story. Since the launch of the new SCR in June 2025, an important milestone has been welcoming more than 300 School‑Based Rehabilitation Service providers onto the platform.
This strengthens coordination across schools, health and community partners, helping providers stay connected and informed. CTN is focused on ensuring the SCR works smoothly and consistently for all users by continuing to enhance the system and improve processes, making it easier for care teams to share and access the information they need. The new SCR helps to support connected, informed and coordinated care for kids, youth and families. These improvements help families feel more confident in knowing everyone supporting their child's care is working together.
